An Australian crime kingpin linked to a gangland tobacco war has been sentenced to life in prison following his arrest in Iraq.
Kazem "Kaz" Hamad, also known as Kadhim Malik Hamad Rabah Al-Hajami, received a life sentence for drug trafficking, the Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq confirmed on Tuesday.
Iraqi authorities arrested Hamad in January under suspicion of directing organised crime operations in Australia from the Middle East.
He was one of the most wanted individuals by Iraqi and international judiciaries, responsible for importing large quantities of narcotics into Iraq and Australia, including heroin, according to a statement from the judicial council.
With links to transnational organised crime gangs, the council said Hamad was also involved in money laundering, murder, kidnapping, extortion and organised violence.
Hamad was deported from Australia in 2023, with the Australian Federal Police subsequently supporting investigators in Iraq and providing operational information relating to crimes they believed he or his syndicate had committed or directed in Australia.
The syndicate is suspected of being behind high-profile firebombings in Victoria while fighting for control of importation and distribution of illegal tobacco.
Several tobacco store owners were intimidated with threats linked to a so-called "Kaz Tax", according to police, with some shop owners so concerned for their safety they sold their businesses and changed addresses.
Police believe Hamad might have been involved in an arson attack on Melbourne's Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024 and the death of Sam "The Punisher" Abdulrahim.
Following Hamad's arrest in February, AFP commissioner Krissy Barrett said investigations were ongoing, with those linked to him suspected of operating in five states and one territory in Australia
An Australian Federal Police spokesperson said on Tuesday it was aware of the sentence and noted the work of an important overseas partner.
"The AFP was informed by the National Center for International Judicial Cooperation (NCIJC) that a life sentence had been handed down against an individual of interest to Australian authorities," the spokesperson said.
